While it remains unclear if the Lexus LF-A is still on the production track, the supercar’s 4.8L V10 could see the light of day in an upcoming Lotus, a new report finds. Lotus has been using Toyota-sourced engines for several years now, with the British sports car firm now eyeing the company’s top offering.
According to the UK’s Evo, Lotus’ upcoming Esprit flagship could use a version of Lexus’ V10. The 4.8L engine would feature at least 500 horsepower in the Esprit and offer a four-cylinder-esque 8,500 rpm redline.
With a 500 horsepower V10 mounted mid-ship, the Lotus Espirit – which is slated to hit the market in 2012 – would have more than enough power to take on the Lamborghini Gallardo and V10-powered Audi R8, not to mention several other European supercars.
However, the Lexus-sourced V10 won’t be the only powerplant available in the next Esprit. Lotus is also planning a mid-level model – featuring the 417 horsepower V8 from the Lexus IS-F – and an entry-level model with a direct-injection V6 belting out 300 horsepower.
Lotus is also rumored to be readying a hybrid version of the Esprit, with Toyota undoubtedly behind that vehicle’s drivetrain.
05/27, 4:31 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I love LLN’s pic. If it were to really look like the last gen Espirit, that would be awesome!!!!
05/27, 4:39 PM
posted by:
gizmo2
LLN no editing before posting? Lotus not Louts.
05/27, 4:43 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
What with the new CAFE regulations and EPA fuel economy guidelines and all I seriously doubt this vehicle will have a V10. More like a naturally aspirated 8 or a twin-turbo 6.
05/27, 4:49 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
Hmmm, really hope this V10 really makes its way into this car. That engine with a lotus chassis, should make for a lethal combo.
05/27, 4:59 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
V10s are garbage, and irrelevant in today’s economic climate.
05/27, 5:04 PM
posted by:
A4
V10’s are sweet, even if they are toyotas.
05/27, 5:18 PM
posted by:
ninetysixvert
V10’s are an unbalanced engine. That said, the Viper SRT10 just idling sounds straight up raw.
05/27, 7:09 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
V10s are irrelevant for the plebs. Let them eat cake! *King Julian voice*
05/27, 7:09 PM
posted by:
Borat
Johnson size BS
05/27, 8:10 PM
posted by:
DrFill
If this is true, bet cash money that the LF-A will rule the streets
Toyota doesn’t build V-10s just for the fun of it
DrFill
05/27, 9:35 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
What Toyota really needs is a muscle car. Something to compete with Mustang and Camaro… don’t worry about the Corvette ZR-1s of the world… the average Joe isn’t going to buy one.
I maintain that Toyota could start manufacturing Supras today reusing all the old stampings, just tweak the engine a tiny bit to meet modern economy and emissions standards, and have so much demand for them at $23,000 for NA and $28,000 for Turbo that they couldn’t keep them on the lots.
I see used ones that look like crap and are all beat to hell go for tons of money every single day. Toyota needs to take a page from GM and bring back some sporting heritage in the form of a true icon.
05/27, 9:40 PM
posted by:
CiNO
V10 is for life. Lexus comes from Toyota, but Lexus is not the same to Toyota. All of Lexus Models are beasts except Lexus ES( the only crap comes from Lexus).
05/27, 9:55 PM
posted by:
A4
The LF-A will be crap next to an R8, and certainly next to this. Lotus tweaks the only solid powertrains that toyota builds and puts them in the cars they deserve to be in.
05/27, 9:57 PM
posted by:
A4
Also, Raineman, with CAFE, Lotus should be exempt because they are such a low volume automaker. There is a point where CAFE kicks in, and sales as limited as theirs make it unapplicable. Just like how Porsche was exempt before the Cayenne sold enough units to put them over.
05/27, 10:01 PM
posted by:
American_Cars_Crap
Johnny canuck, can you send me a pic of your penis? I always had a thing for older canadian men.
05/28, 9:22 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
V-10 VS Electric Motor. Electric motor wins. The v-10 is a silly use of space inside of a lightweight sports car. Small displacement gen set with large torque electric drive motor is the future of speed and marketing. Owning a “gas hog” is not the way to make profits going forward, and Toyota needs profits to continue their agenda of automobile dominance. Once you get to drive a powerful electric vehicle you are instantly sold on the concept. Quick and quiet is a great starting point. Noise can always be added electronically, so don’t worry about the sounds coming out of the engine compartment.
05/28, 12:29 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
OK for Louts
terrible Idea for Lotus
CiNO: You’re wrong
05/28, 3:19 PM
posted by:
GayEmoBetch
The Celica GT started in life during the 1970s as a Pony Car. I still see those old RWD Celica GTs around in Hawaii. Quite cool and very retro like the old 2000GTs.